Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 200 Unit 3 Investigating Career Pathways in Human Services People often have problems managing their purchases and monetary resources. As some say, “money makes the world go around.” Consumer services workers help their clients manage the details of being a consumer in today’s complex world. Consumers are people who purchase goods and services. Consumer services workers help people solve fi nancial and consumer problems and make good consumer decisions. They educate their clients on how to invest and plan fi nancially. Consumer services workers must focus on the end goal of improving the quality of life for their clients. Careers in Consumer Services Career opportunities in consumer services are many, varied, and constantly expanding. Consumer services careers fall into four major tracks. These are consumer advocacy, fi nancial services, customer service, and buying. Examples of careers in each of these areas are shown in Figure 8.1. Examples of Consumer Services Careers Consumer advocacy • Community consumer educator • Community organizer • Consumer advocate • Consumer journalist • Consumer litigation attorney • Consumer lobbyist • Nonprofit foundation manager • Policy analyst Financial services • Budget analyst • Credit counselor • Financial advisor • Financial analyst • Financial manager • Insurance sales agent • Insurance underwriter Customer service • Computer support specialist • Customer service representative • Retail sales manager • Retail sales worker • Sales manager • Sales worker Buying • Buyer • Purchasing agent • Purchasing manager • Retail buyer • Supply chain manager Figure 8.1 There are many different careers in consumer services. Which area of consumer services interests you most?